Verda Bell (Nolte) Westerman

Verda Bell Westerman, 99, of Bellville, Texas, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2019, in Katy, Texas, one month before her 100th birthday.

She was born November 22, 1919, in Bellville, Texas, the daughter of Joseph W. and Ardala (Hildebrandt) Nolte. Verda Bell grew up and attended schools in Bellville, graduating from Bellville High School in 1937. She was baptized and confirmed in St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville. After high school, she went to Houston and attended Massey Business School, and went to work for a large car dealership in Houston. Verda Bell was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Elmer Harry Westerman, on January 28, 1939, in Rosenberg, Texas. After the war started, they moved to Cuero, Texas, where Elmer worked at the Army Air Corp Base. Their first child, Lois, was born there in 1943. Toward the end of the war, they moved to Houston where their son, Charles, was born. In 1955, a second daughter, Shirley, was born. They lived in Houston until 1975, when they returned home to Bellville where they built their retirement home.

Verda Bell enjoyed sewing and made clothes for her entire family. In Houston, she was involved in the Golfcrest Garden Club as a member and flower show judge for many years while raising her three children. In her spare time, she was a Girl Scout leader and school volunteer. When Verda Bell and Elmer moved back home to Bellville in 1975, they became involved again in St. John Lutheran Church. They had many friends and hardly a week went by without Verda Bell and Elmer dancing at the Sealy Dance Club. To keep busy, Verda Bell went to work part time for Wiege Store and later for Michelle Jewelry Store. One of her favorite past times was quilting. She also became proficient at putting the binding on quilts. Few Wednesdays went by without her joining the Cancer Angels at their gathering place to sew and assemble quilts. Her favorite quilt pattern was the child’s hobby horse. Playing dominoes and cards was also a favorite pastime for many years.

Verda Bell is survived by her children: Lois Coan and her husband Paul of Bellville, Charles Westerman of Bellville, and Shirley Ann Richardson and her husband Tommy of Katy; seven grandchildren: Christy Coan, David Coan and his wife Bridget, Julie Stovall and her husband Mike, Lane Westerman, Shawn Richardson, Joel Richardson and his wife Lydia, and Derek Richardson; six great-grandchildren: Jack, Laurelie, and Willem Coan, Chance and Collin Stovall, and Lilly Jean Westerman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Elmer Harry Westerman; parents: Joseph and Ardala Nolte; sisters: Flora Lee Loscher, Mildred D’Olive, and Mary Dalzell.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the:

St. John Lutheran Church

520 North Holland

Bellville, Texas 77418